Royal Cambodian Army celebrates 20th anniversary

On this 24 January, Cambodia is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA), an arm of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF). Dressed in full military regalia, Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over the ceremony, which was held at the RCA's headquarters on the western outskirts of Phnom Penh.

Two lieutenant generals of the Royal Cambodian Army on visit at Army-2018 near Kubinka. However equipped mainly with Chinese vehicles, weapons and materiel, the Cambodian army also looks at Russian-made equivalents (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Upon his arrival, Hun Sen, along with his eldest son, Lieutenant General Hun Manet, who is the RCA's commander, rode in open Jeeps to inspect troops. Travelling down a long street lined with tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, rocket launchers, and other weapons as well as military trucks, Hun Sen greeted thousands of troops and encouraged them to constantly strengthen their abilities in national defense. "The troops must fight all forms of terrorism that is currently threatening the world. Do not let Cambodia become a shelter for any terrorist group or a base for terrorism attacks," Hun Sen said.

Founded in 1999, the RCA is an arm of the RCAF. The RCAF, established in 1953 under the late) King Sihanouk, is also comprised of the Royal Cambodian Navy and the Royal Cambodian Air Force.